Kawasaki Concours Reviews - Page 2 of 3

2000 Kawasaki Concours from United States of America

Summary:

The best value for money in a sport-tourer

Faults:

So far so good, nothing has broken that wasn't my fault.

One small issue has cropped up lately with a small oil leak, which I first noticed right around 50,000 miles, just under the shifter. Appears to be either a clutch rod seal or possibly the shift shaft. It's a small amount, so hasn't been much of an issue.

Dash and fairing plastics are starting to fade somewhat, but the bike is 10 years old and lives outside under a cover, so this is to be expected.

General Comments:

Excellent handling.

Amazing power.

Very comfortable.

Owner's group online is top-notch, tons of support for years to come.

Incredibly reliable/durable. This bike feels like it's built like a tank.

Good gas mileage.

Very easy to service/maintain: valve adjustments can be completed in less than 2 hours, oil changes are a snap. Shaft drive means no chain or messy lube to deal with.

2009 Kawasaki Concours from United States of America

Summary:

Great bike for the money

Faults:

Rear tire pressure gauge not working when new.

Batteries in sending unit.

General Comments:

This bike is the best sport tour bike I have owned to date. I have had three others, ST's, Triumph Trophy 1200 and the old Concours. This bike handles almost as good as my Daytona 955i, and has more power than it.

Comfort is good, but the windshield is too short; there are good after market shields out there. I purchased a Cal Scientific; much better wind protection.

The brakes are very strong, and the handling is great for a bike this size. Best bags I have ever used, shaft drive is "untouchable" in the bike market. Service to the shaft is easy, and so is the oil and filter.

Overall I would recommend this bike first for the price, and then for its overall satisfaction. Don't pass it up if you can afford it.

2003 Kawasaki Concours from United States of America

Summary:

Faults:

I didn't think I had used up all the brakes on the rear, but had to replace the pads this past summer. I guess it was about time anyway.

General Comments:

This is the first large road bike that I have owned. I have ridden bikes since 1966 and this one is absolutely the most dependable, steadfast bike I have owned. It has never let me down. I have managed to get at least 12K on each set of tires.

I love the handling and acceleration. I didn't expect it to "come alive" as it does when you hit 6200 rpm, but I have consistently beat every HD that has dared to try.

Low end the "big-thumper" HDs with big bore kits will hold me till I get to around 70 then it all over, but the crying. I have not had the guts to top it out, but so far 129 mph in 5th is as far as I have gone (with one more gear to use).

2001 Kawasaki Concours from United States of America

Summary:

A GREAT mount!

Faults:

This is a fuel issue. The carbs have become plugged with debris in fuel from the gas stations. Two dealers I spoke with said that fuel contamination in the area was a problem and that they were getting new bikes returned to the shop for fuel system cleaning only weeks after rolling out of the showroom floor. My bike would not idle correctly, but was fine above 2000 rpm. A disassembly and cleaning solved the problem. An in-line filter was installed at this time.

However, this happened again 2 years later after a period of 4 months of non-use. I will try to flush the fuel system with "Gum-Out" to see if that will fix. If not, then carb disassembly time again.

Had the 500 mile service performed at a dealer. They missed two loose engine mount bolts. I took it back for them to get it right for me. This eliminated a vibration which I thought was caused by something not tight enough.

General Comments:

Great bike, I always have admired the machine before purchasing one.

I was disillusioned on my first ride though. The windshield was horrible, it's actually a turbulence generator! The after-market windshield kit by Rifle is perfect.

Also purchased the Gen-Mar handlebar risers, bringing up the bars about 1 1/2 inches without having to alter any cables, lines, etc.

28th May 2007, 06:13

Re Vibration and engine mount bolts. Concours have always had a reputation for being buzzy, and clearing the buzz has become something of a minor art form. Visit the Concours Owners Group website: http://www.cog-online.org

Re Fuel problems. I bought a '95 back in 2000. The previous owner had done all the COG recommended fixes for the vibration, and this was still the worst vibrating Concours in my experience (this is my third one). Problem was solved when I ran a bottle of Chevron's Techron fuel system cleaner in a tank of gas. Miracle stuff... cleared the buzz out when nothing else worked.

20th Oct 2014, 23:51

Ethanol may be the culprit, clogging the carbs. I started running all gas, no ethanol, and saw a big difference fast. Small engine repair shops suggest gas additives as mentioned above on a regular basis. Ethanol seems to gum up fast. I'm using regular gas 91 octane in my truck too, and it instantly got rid of a nagging little miss I had at idle.